Agenda Packet 10-14-19 Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES – Eugene City Council September 18, 2019 Page 1 Work Session M I N U T E S Eugene City Council Harris Hall, 125 East 8th Avenue Eugene, Oregon 97401 September 18, 2019 12:00 p.m. Councilors Present: Betty Taylor, Emily Semple, Mike Clark, Chris Pryor, Claire Syrett, Jennifer Yeh Councilors Absent: Alan Zelenka, Greg Evans Councilor Taylor opened the September 18, 2019, work session of the Eugene City Council in Mayor Vinis’ absence. 1.WORK SESSION: Digital SignsSenior Planner Jenessa Dragovich introduced the topic, defining digital signs, providing someexamples, and outlining the benefits, drawbacks, and regulation options.Council Discussion o Councilor Semple – expressed concern about the safety of digital signs, particularlyconsidering the City’s Vision Zero policy; would prefer to reduce signage for both safety andaesthetic reasons; asked staff for the legal minimum of what the City would be required tochange. o Councilor Syrett – asked when Springfield changed its code to allow digital signs; askedwhether there could be a limit on the number of digital billboards within the city, andwhether those signs could be limited to billboards currently in existence; supported digitalsigns generally, though would like their number to be limited. o Councilor Yeh – requested input from the Vision Zero advisory body; asked for a copy of theCity of Springfield’s code; asked about the energy use difference between lighting forexisting billboards and digital signs; asked staff how the City could use the billboards forAmber Alerts and nonprofit use; noted that digital signs make advertising less expensive fornonprofits and small businesses; expressed support for the draft motion contained in thematerials. o Councilor Pryor – asked staff for statistics on accidents associated with digital signs;thought the content of a sign determined its level of distraction, not the medium itself;supported exploration of regulations to address and enable new technology. o Councilor Clark – supported the motion, noting that digital signs were economical andeffective for mass communication; thought they could be a helpful tool for communicatingwith residents in emergency situations. o Councilor Taylor – agreed with Councilor Semple that digital billboards were distractingand not aesthetically pleasing; supported efforts to limit or reduce the number of signs;supported making the message on the Hult Center readerboard static. o Councilor Syrett – said that opinions about what is attractive or distracting are subjective;would also like to receive the answers to Councilor Yeh’s questions; noted that regulationsare key to maintaining livability and public safety. ATTACHMENT F September 14, 2019, Meeting - Item 2A